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De Souza Oliveira AC, Gómez Gallego M, Martínez CG, López Mongil R, Moreno Molina J, Hernández Morante JJ, Echevarría Pérez P. Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Nutritional, Functional and Frailty Biomarkers of People Living in Nursing Homes. A Prospective Study. Biol Res Nurs 2023; 25:615-626. [PMID: 37187022 PMCID: PMC10189523 DOI: 10.1177/10998004231176249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing home residences suffered a lockdown from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study prospectively evaluates the frailty, functional, and nutritional statuses of nursing home residents. METHODS Three hundred and one residents from three nursing homes took part in the study. Frailty status was measured using the FRAIL scale. Functional status was evaluated using the Barthel Index. Additionally, Short Physical Performance Batter (SPPB), SARC-F, hand-grip strength, and gait speed were also evaluated. Nutritional status was determined using the mini nutritional assessment test (MNA) and several anthropometrical and biochemical markers. RESULTS Mini Nutritional Assessment test scores decreased in 20% throughout the confinement (p < .001). Barthel index, SPPB and SARC-F scores also decreased, although to a lesser extent, reflecting a decrease in functional capacity. However, both anthropometric parameters, hand grip strength and gait speed, remained stable throughout confinement (p > .050 in all cases). Morning cortisol secretion significantly decreased by 40% from baseline to post-confinement. A significant reduction in daily cortisol variability was observed, which may suggest increased distress. Fifty-six residents died during the period of confinement (81.4% survival rate). Sex, FRAIL and Barthel Index scores were significant predictors of resident survival. CONCLUSION After the first COVID-19 blockade, several alterations in residents' frailty markers were observed, which were small and potentially reversible. However, many of the residents were pre-frail after the lockdown. This fact highlights the need for preventive strategies to reduce the impact of future social and physical stressors on these vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana C. De Souza Oliveira
- Research Group of Nursing Languages in
Social Context, Faculty of Nursing, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus de Guadalupe, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Gómez Gallego
- Department of Neurology and Mental Health,
Faculty of Nursing, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus de Guadalupe, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmelo Gómez Martínez
- Research Group of Nursing Languages in
Social Context, Faculty of Nursing, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus de Guadalupe, Murcia, Spain
| | - Rosa López Mongil
- Service of Geriatry and Social Services, Centro Asistencial Dr. Villacián, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Juan José Hernández Morante
- Research Group of Nursing Languages in
Social Context, Faculty of Nursing, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus de Guadalupe, Murcia, Spain
- Eating Disorders Research Unit, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus de Guadalupe, Murcia, Spain
| | - Paloma Echevarría Pérez
- Research Group of Nursing Languages in
Social Context, Faculty of Nursing, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus de Guadalupe, Murcia, Spain
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Farzane A, Koushkie Jahromi M. The effect of pilates training on hormonal and psychophysical function in older women. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2022; 62:110-121. [PMID: 33555671 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.21.12089-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DHEA-S and cortisol and their ratio are important determinants of some physiological and psychological function during aging. The present study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of pilates training on diurnal salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and cortisol to DHEA-S ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), and psychological function in older women. METHODS Twenty-seven healthy older women (aged 60-65 years) participated in the study voluntarily and were divided into two groups of pilates training (N.=15) and control (N.=12), randomly. Before and after the experiment, salivary samples (at wake up and 30-min postawakening, midday, 5 p.m., and 9 p.m.) were taken and the participants completed the questionnaires. Cognitive function was assessed by the MMSE questionnaire. Pilates training was performed three times weekly, in non-consecutive days. RESULTS Pilates training increased V̇O2<inf>max</inf> (48%, P<0.001) and cognitive function (73%, P<0.001) and decreased BMI (16%, P=0.042), anxiety (53%, P<0.001) and depression (67%, P<0.001) compared to the control group. Also, in pilates training group, mean cortisol (16%, P=0.039), CAR (24%, P=0.010), fall after peak of cortisol (15%, P=0.50), morning DHEA-S (43%, P<0.001) and mean DHEA-S (34%, P=0.002) increased compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that pilates training could improve mental and physical function which was accompanied by changes of diurnal cortisol and DHEA as one of the possible effective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezu Farzane
- School of Education and Psychology, Department of Sport Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Koushkie Jahromi
- School of Education and Psychology, Department of Sport Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran -
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Pretscher A, Kauzner S, Rohleder N, Becker L. Associations between social burden, perceived stress, and diurnal cortisol profiles in older adults: implications for cognitive aging. Eur J Ageing 2021; 18:575-590. [PMID: 34786017 PMCID: PMC8563879 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress can be a risk factor for mental and physical health. We investigated the role of social burden as a potential stressor in older age and its associations with cognitive aging (i.e., within the domains inhibition and cognitive flexibility of executive functioning). Eighty-three older adults (N = 38 male, mean age = 74.0 ± 5.7 years, body-mass index = 25.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2) aged 64 years or older participated. Cognitive flexibility and inhibition were assessed by means of a Trail-Making Test (TMT) and a Stroop task. Perceived levels of social burden and perceived stress in general were assessed via standardized questionnaires. Furthermore, diurnal cortisol profiles were assessed. Overall, older participants showed lower cognitive performance than the younger (both inhibition and cognitive flexibility; p < .044). However, this association did not remain significant when adjusting for multiple comparisons. Social burden was highly correlated with perceived stress, highlighting its importance as a stressor (p < .001). Furthermore, participants who reported higher levels of perceived stress showed lower performance in the TMT as a measure for cognitive flexibility (p < .001). Moreover, social burden was associated with cognitive flexibility, which was assessed by means of the TMT (p = .031). However, this association did not remain significant when using the adjusted α-level. Furthermore, we found that total diurnal cortisol output was a mediator for the relationship between age and inhibition, which was assessed by means of a Stroop task. At last, we found that the mediating role of cortisol interacts with social burden in the way that especially in younger age, high levels of social burden are associated with higher cortisol levels and, therefore, with lower cognitive performance. We conclude that it is important to consider social burden as an additional stressor in older age which is associated with cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pretscher
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Health Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nägelsbachstr. 49a, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Saskia Kauzner
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Health Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nägelsbachstr. 49a, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Rohleder
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Health Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nägelsbachstr. 49a, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Linda Becker
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Health Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nägelsbachstr. 49a, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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Kheloui S, Rossi M, Jacmin-Park S, Larocque O, Vallée M, Kerr P, Bourdon O, Juster RP. Psychoneuroendocrine protocol to comprehensively study sexually dimorphic cognition. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 6:100050. [PMID: 35757359 PMCID: PMC9216706 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large body of research provides evidence for sex differences in cognitive abilities. These sex differences stem from the interplay between biological sex (e.g., birth-assigned sex, sex hormones) and psychosocial gender (e.g., gender identity, gender-roles, sexual orientation). Literature remains rather mixed with regards to the magnitude of sex and gender effects on cognitive abilities and mental health. Growing evidence shows that sex hormone assessment combined with measures of psychosocial gender may be fundamental to comprehensively understand individual differences in sexually dimorphic cognitive abilities. Objectives This study protocol describes a sexually dimorphic cognitive battery to assess the influence of sex hormones on performance. In parallel, we aim to assess the inter-related effects that biological sex and psychosocial gender-based factors exert on cognition and mental health. Methods Our projected sample includes 180 adult participants who are at least 18 years old. Sub-groups will be recruited based on birth-assigned sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Biological measures will be collected via salivary samples throughout testing to include sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol and progesterone) and stress hormones (cortisol). Demographic and psychosocial variables will be measured through self-report questionnaires. Participants will be required to complete eight classic cognitive tasks that assess a variety of cognitive domains in a 2-h testing session. Results and future directions Results from this study provides unique insights into the correlates of cognitive sex differences and gender diversity. This will give us solid ground to further investigate these influences in clinical populations in which sex hormones and cognitive functioning are often altered. Cognition is modulated by multiple sex and gender factors. Cognitive abilities will be assessed among 180 adults representing diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. This protocol aims to nuance the effects of sex hormones in contrast to those of socio-cultural gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kheloui
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Canada
- Center on Sex∗Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada
| | - Mathias Rossi
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Canada
- Center on Sex∗Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada
| | - Silke Jacmin-Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Canada
- Center on Sex∗Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada
| | - Ophélie Larocque
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Canada
- Center on Sex∗Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada
| | - Morgan Vallée
- Department of Sociology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Canada
- Center on Sex∗Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada
| | - Philippe Kerr
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Canada
- Center on Sex∗Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada
| | - Olivier Bourdon
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Canada
- Center on Sex∗Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Canada
- Center on Sex∗Gender, Allostasis and Resilience, Canada
- Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal 7331 Hochelaga Street, H1N 3V2, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Obleser J, Kreitewolf J, Vielhauer R, Lindner F, David C, Oster H, Tune S. Circadian fluctuations in glucocorticoid level predict perceptual discrimination sensitivity. iScience 2021; 24:102345. [PMID: 33870139 PMCID: PMC8047178 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Slow neurobiological rhythms, such as the circadian secretion of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, modulate a variety of body functions. Whether and how endocrine fluctuations also exert an influence on perceptual abilities is largely uncharted. Here, we show that phasic increases in GC availability prove beneficial to auditory discrimination. In an age-varying sample of N = 68 healthy human participants, we characterize the covariation of saliva cortisol with perceptual sensitivity in an auditory pitch discrimination task at five time points across the sleep-wake cycle. First, momentary saliva cortisol levels were captured well by the time relative to wake-up and overall sleep duration. Second, within individuals, higher cortisol levels just prior to behavioral testing predicted better pitch discrimination ability, expressed as a steepened psychometric curve. This effect of GCs held under a set of statistical controls. Our results pave the way for more in-depth studies on neuroendocrinological determinants of sensory encoding and perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Obleser
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Center for Brain, Behavior, and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jens Kreitewolf
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ricarda Vielhauer
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Fanny Lindner
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Carolin David
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Henrik Oster
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Center for Brain, Behavior, and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sarah Tune
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Center for Brain, Behavior, and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
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Differential Susceptibility to the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Working Memory, Empathy, and Perceived Stress: The Role of Cortisol and Resilience. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030348. [PMID: 33803413 PMCID: PMC7998983 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are important individual differences in adaptation and reactivity to stressful challenges. Being subjected to strict social confinement is a distressful psychological experience leading to reduced emotional well-being, but it is not known how it can affect the cognitive and empathic tendencies of different individuals. Cortisol, a key glucocorticoid in humans, is a strong modulator of brain function, behavior, and cognition, and the diurnal cortisol rhythm has been postulated to interact with environmental stressors to predict stress adaptation. The present study investigates in 45 young adults (21.09 years old, SD = 6.42) whether pre-pandemic diurnal cortisol indices, overall diurnal cortisol secretion (AUCg) and cortisol awakening response (CAR) can predict individuals' differential susceptibility to the impact of strict social confinement during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on working memory, empathy, and perceived stress. We observed that, following long-term home confinement, there was an increase in subjects' perceived stress and cognitive empathy scores, as well as an improvement in visuospatial working memory. Moreover, during confinement, resilient coping moderated the relationship between perceived stress scores and pre-pandemic AUCg and CAR. In addition, in mediation models, we observed a direct effect of AUCg and an indirect effect of both CAR and AUCg, on change in perceived self-efficacy. These effects were parallelly mediated by the increase in working memory span and cognitive empathy. In summary, our findings reveal the role of the diurnal pattern of cortisol in predicting the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a potential biomarker for the identification of at-risk groups following public health crises.
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Bortolotto I, de Brum APS, Guecheva TN, de Souza LM, de Paula-Ramos ALL, Trindade C, Consiglio AR. DNA damage, salivary cortisol levels, and cognitive parameters in a nursing team. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2021; 861-862:503300. [PMID: 33551101 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2020.503300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In a cross-sectional study of women in a nursing team at a university hospital in southern Brazil, we studied DNA damage, salivary cortisol levels, and cognition. DNA damage was measured in blood leukocytes with the comet assay and the micronucleus test. Salivary cortisol levels were determined upon waking, 30 min later, and at bedtime. Cognition was evaluated according to the Stroop, Digit span and Word span tests. Cortisol levels on waking up were associated negatively with the number of years the employee worked at the institution and positively with the DNA damage in comet assay. Cognitive scores were lower when the cortisol levels were low at awakening and high at bedtime; and were associated positively with educational level. Cortisol status may influence overall health as well as essential work skills, such as attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iranez Bortolotto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Scherer de Brum
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina (UNOESC), SC, Brazil
| | - Temenouga Nikolova Guecheva
- Departamento de Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil
| | - Larissa Milano de Souza
- Departamento de Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Ligia Lia de Paula-Ramos
- Departamento de Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Trindade
- Departamento de Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil; Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia.
| | - Angelica Rosat Consiglio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil.
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Watermeyer T, Robb C, Gregory S, Udeh-Momoh C. Therapeutic implications of hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal-axis modulation in Alzheimer's disease: A narrative review of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100877. [PMID: 33045258 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
With disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) still elusive, the search for alternative intervention strategies has intensified. Growing evidence suggests that dysfunction in hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal-axis (HPAA) activity may contribute to the development of AD pathology. The HPAA, may therefore offer a novel target for therapeutic action. This review summarises and critically evaluates animal and human studies investigating the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention on HPAA modulation alongside cognitive performance. The interventions discussed include glucocorticoid receptor antagonists and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitors as well as lifestyle treatments such as physical activity, diet, sleep and contemplative practices. Pharmacological HPAA modulators improve pathology and cognitive deficit in animal AD models, but human pharmacological trials are yet to provide definitive support for such benefits. Lifestyle interventions may offer promising strategies for HPAA modification and cognitive health, but several methodological caveats across these studies were identified. Directions for future research in AD studies are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamlyn Watermeyer
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK; Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catherine Robb
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Gregory
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chinedu Udeh-Momoh
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK; Translational Health Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Ayala-Grosso C, Torrico F, Ledezma-Ruiz M, Busolo-Pons M. Chronic Stress in Cognitive Processes: Cortisol Dynamic Range of Secretion Is Associated with Perception of Unsafety Environment in a Venezuelan Population. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 82:S299-S312. [PMID: 33285631 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding diurnal secretion of cortisol in association with behavioral attitudes as a result of perception of unsafety environment is a main interest in prospective studies establishing the impact of chronic stress in cognitive processes. Adaptive secretion of cortisol, a biomarker of the hypothalamic-hypophysis-adrenal (HPA) axis, has been correlated with perception of uncertainty in surroundings as a consequence of perseverative cognition and unconscious thoughts. OBJECTIVE To determine whether diurnal secretion pattern of cortisol was associated with behavioral attitudes indexes generated from answers to standardized questionnaires from Panamerican Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) agencies. METHODS Saliva cortisol dynamic range was evaluated by immuno-essay. Cortisol awakening response (CAR) and total secreted cortisol was established in a cross-sectional study of four saliva samples per day from volunteers (n = 135) between 19 and 65 years old. RESULTS Saliva cortisol dynamic range followed a significant decay along the day. Reduction of social interaction and increase of defensive behavioral attitude was associated with older groups of age. In this study, two subgroups of subjects with a steeper cortisol secretion (slope significant non-zero), and flatter cortisol secretion (slope no significant non-zero) were detected. Noticeable, we determined an association between measurements of cortisol secretion from subjects with a flatter cortisol dynamic range and behavioral defensive and inhibition of social interaction indexes. CONCLUSION These findings suggested chronical dysregulation of HPA axis as a result of perseverative cognitive perception of unsafety environment which may be precedent to cognitive impairment in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ayala-Grosso
- Unit of Cellular Therapy, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas IVIC, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Fátima Torrico
- Unit of Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Margot Ledezma-Ruiz
- Unit of Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Maria Busolo-Pons
- Unit of Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
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Law R, Evans P, Thorn L, Hucklebridge F, Loveday C, Clow A. The cortisol awakening response predicts a same-day index of executive function in healthy young adults. Int J Psychophysiol 2020; 158:27-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Stress-Related Trajectories of Diurnal Cortisol in Older Adulthood Over 12 Years. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 121:104826. [PMID: 32866774 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although evidence shows that stress experiences can predict both hyper- and hypo-cortisol regulation, there is a lack of research examining these associations longitudinally. Our study assessed whether levels and increases in psychological stress experiences predicted 12-year changes in circadian cortisol levels (area under the curve; AUC) and cortisol slopes in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. METHODS In 2004, 190 community dwelling older adults (57 to 94 years) started providing three days of diurnal cortisol and stress experience data every two years for a total of seven waves of data. All analyses controlled for relevant covariates including: SES, BMI, age, sex, cortisol-related medication, chronic illness, and smoking status. RESULTS Growth-curve modeling documented that compared to participants who reported generally lower stress experiences (T-ratio = -5.57, p < .01), their counterparts with higher stress experiences showed significantly steeper declines in cortisol AUC over time (T-ratio = -9.23, p < .01). Higher stress experience was associated with generally flatter cortisol slopes. In addition, among participants with high and increasing stress experience over 12 years, cortisol slopes became increasingly flatter over time (T-ratio = 2.78, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS Among individuals with high, as compared to low, levels of chronic stress experience, cortisol levels displayed steeper declines across the study period. Moreover, cortisol slopes became increasingly flatter as a function of high and increasing stress experience. Implications for theory and research on the associations between stress experience and cortisol in the context of longitudinal observations are discussed.
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Labad J, Salvat-Pujol N, Armario A, Cabezas Á, de Arriba-Arnau A, Nadal R, Martorell L, Urretavizcaya M, Monreal JA, Crespo JM, Vilella E, Palao DJ, Menchón JM, Soria V. The Role of Sleep Quality, Trait Anxiety and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Measures in Cognitive Abilities of Healthy Individuals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207600. [PMID: 33086584 PMCID: PMC7589840 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive processes. Sleep and wake memory consolidation seem to be regulated by glucocorticoids, pointing out the potential role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive abilities. Trait anxiety is another factor that is likely to moderate the relationship between sleep and cognition, because poorer sleep quality and subtle HPA axis abnormalities have been reported in people with high trait anxiety. The current study aimed to explore whether HPA axis activity or trait anxiety moderate the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive abilities in healthy individuals. We studied 203 healthy individuals. We measured verbal and visual memory, working memory, processing speed, attention and executive function. Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Trait anxiety was assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. HPA axis measures included the cortisol awakening response (CAR), diurnal cortisol slope and cortisol levels during the day. Multiple linear regression analyses explored the relationship between sleep quality and cognition and tested potential moderating effects by HPA axis measures and trait anxiety. Poor sleep quality was associated with poorer performance in memory, processing speed and executive function tasks. In people with poorer sleep quality, a blunted CAR was associated with poorer verbal and visual memory and executive functions, and higher cortisol levels during the day were associated with poorer processing speed. Trait anxiety was a moderator of visual memory and executive functioning. These results suggest that subtle abnormalities in the HPA axis and higher trait anxiety contribute to the relationship between lower sleep quality and poorer cognitive functioning in healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Labad
- Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, 08340 Mataró, Spain;
- Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (J.A.M.); (D.J.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Neus Salvat-Pujol
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain;
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
- Neurosciences Group—Psychiatry and Mental Health, Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Antonio Armario
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ángel Cabezas
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43206 Reus, Spain;
| | - Aida de Arriba-Arnau
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
- Neurosciences Group—Psychiatry and Mental Health, Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Roser Nadal
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lourdes Martorell
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43206 Reus, Spain;
| | - Mikel Urretavizcaya
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
- Neurosciences Group—Psychiatry and Mental Health, Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - José Antonio Monreal
- Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (J.A.M.); (D.J.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain;
| | - José Manuel Crespo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
- Neurosciences Group—Psychiatry and Mental Health, Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Elisabet Vilella
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43206 Reus, Spain;
| | - Diego José Palao
- Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (J.A.M.); (D.J.P.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain;
| | - José Manuel Menchón
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
- Neurosciences Group—Psychiatry and Mental Health, Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Virginia Soria
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.); (R.N.); (L.M.); (M.U.); (J.M.C.); (E.V.); (J.M.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
- Neurosciences Group—Psychiatry and Mental Health, Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: A Narrative Review of the Evidence, Possible Biological Mechanisms, and Recommendations for Exercise Prescription. J Aging Res 2020; 2020:1407896. [PMID: 32509348 PMCID: PMC7244966 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1407896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity and exercise have emerged as potential methods to improve brain health among older adults. However, there are currently no physical activity guidelines aimed at improving cognitive function, and the mechanisms underlying these cognitive benefits are poorly understood. The purpose of this narrative review is to present the current evidence regarding the effects of physical activity and exercise on cognition in older adults without cognitive impairment, identify potential mechanisms underlying these effects, and make recommendations for exercise prescription to enhance cognitive performance. The review begins with a summary of evidence of the effect of chronic physical activity and exercise on cognition. Attention then turns to four main biological mechanisms that appear to underlie exercise-induced cognitive improvement, including the upregulation of growth factors and neuroplasticity, inhibition of inflammatory biomarker production, improved vascular function, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. The last section provides an overview of exercise parameters known to optimize cognition in older adults, such as exercise type, frequency, intensity, session duration, and exercise program duration.
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14
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de Souza-Talarico JN, Alves AR, Brucki SMD, Nitrini R, Lupien SJ, Suchecki D. Cortisol reactivity to a psychosocial stressor significantly increases the risk of developing Cognitive Impairment no Dementia five years later. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 115:104601. [PMID: 32087524 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients show high cortisol levels suggesting that biological mediators of stress may play a role in the neurodegenerative process of cognitive disorders. However, there is no consensus as to whether cortisol concentrations represent a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment. We analyzed the potential association between the incidence of cognitive impairment and cortisol concentrations under basal and acute stress conditions in 129 individuals aged 50 years or older, with preserved cognitive and functional abilities. All participants were recruited in 2011 for assessment of cognitive performance and cortisol levels. Cortisol was analyzed in saliva samples collected during two typical and consecutive days, in the morning, afternoon, and night, and also during exposure to an acute psychosocial stressor (Trier Social Stress Test - TSST). After a five-year follow-up, 69 of these volunteers were reassessed for cognitive performance, functional evaluation, memory complaints, and depression. The incidence of cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND) was 26.1 %, and was positively associated with greater TSST-induced cortisol release (responsiveness) [(95 % CI = 1.001-1.011; B = 0.006), p = 0.023]. Moreover, five years before diagnosis, participants who later developed CIND had greater responsiveness to TSST (p = 0.019) and lower cortisol awakening response (CAR: p = 0.018), as compared to those who did not develop CIND. These findings suggest that higher psychosocial stress responsiveness profiles may represent a preclinical sign of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Regiani Alves
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403 000, Brazil
| | - Sonia Maria Dozzi Brucki
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403 000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403 000, Brazil
| | - Sonia J Lupien
- Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Mental Health Research Centre Fernand Seguin, Hospital Louis H. Lafontaine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Deborah Suchecki
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, Brazil
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15
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Law R, Clow A. Stress, the cortisol awakening response and cognitive function. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 150:187-217. [PMID: 32204832 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that stress-induced disruption of the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion, has negative consequences for brain health. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is the most prominent and dynamic aspect of this rhythm. It has complex regulatory mechanisms making it distinct from the rest of the cortisol circadian rhythm, and is frequently investigated as a biomarker of stress and potential intermediary between stress and impaired brain function. Despite this, the precise function of the CAR within the healthy cortisol circadian rhythm remains poorly understood. Cortisol is a powerful hormone known to influence cognition in multiple and complex ways. Studies of the CAR and cognitive function have used varied methodological approaches which have produced similarly varied findings. The present review considers the accumulating evidence linking stress, attenuation of the CAR and reduced cognitive function, and seeks to contextualize the many findings to study populations, cognitive measures, and CAR methodologies employed. Associations between the CAR and both memory and executive functions are discussed in relation to its potential role as a neuroendocrine time of day signal that synchronizes peripheral clocks throughout the brain to enable optimum function, and recommendations for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Law
- Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Westminster, London, England.
| | - Angela Clow
- Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Westminster, London, England
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16
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Sanchis-Soler G, Tortosa-Martínez J, Manchado-Lopez C, Cortell-Tormo JM. The effects of stress on cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease: Physical exercise as a counteract measure. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 152:157-193. [PMID: 32450995 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AD is a complicated multi-systemic neurological disorder that involves different biological pathways. Several risk factors have been identified, including chronic stress. Chronic stress produces an alteration in the activity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) system, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which over time increase the risk of AD and also the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes, associated with cognitive impairment and AD. Considering the multi-factorial etiology of AD, understanding the complex interrelationships between different risk factors is of potential interest for designing adequate strategies for preventing, delaying the onset or slowing down the progression of this devastating disease. Thus, in this review we will explore the general mechanisms and evidence linking stress, cardiovascular disease and AD, and discuss the potential benefits of physical activity for AD by counteracting the negative effects of chronic stress, CVD and risk factors.
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Marcos-Pérez D, Sánchez-Flores M, Maseda A, Lorenzo-López L, Millán-Calenti JC, Pásaro E, Laffon B, Valdiglesias V. Serum cortisol but not oxidative stress biomarkers are related to frailty: results of a cross-sectional study in Spanish older adults. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:815-825. [PMID: 31405343 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1654639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Frailty is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome of loss of reserves and increased vulnerability to negative health outcomes. Cortisol, the major hormone of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, and oxidative stress may be influenced by multiple endogenous and environmental factors throughout the lifespan, triggering changes in organism functioning. Association of elevated levels of cortisol and oxidative stress biomarkers with aging and several age-related diseases is well documented. However, the possible role of these factors on frailty status in older adults has not been extensively studied. Hence, the aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional study in 252 older adults (≥65 years old) classified according to their frailty status. Plasma cortisol and biomarkers related to oxidative stress including reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, oxidative DNA damage, and total antioxidant capacity were determined in non-frail, pre-frail, and frail subjects. Results showed significantly increasing cortisol concentrations with frailty burden, but no marked association between any oxidative stress biomarker and frailty status. In addition, dependence on activities of daily living and 10-year mortality risk were also correlated with elevated cortisol levels. Current results support the hypothesis that age-related HPA axis dysregulation is associated with frailty status, although further research is necessary to establish the role of cortisol in the pathophysiology of frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Marcos-Pérez
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade da Coruña , Coruña , Spain
| | - María Sánchez-Flores
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade da Coruña , Coruña , Spain
| | - Ana Maseda
- Universidade da Coruña, Gerontology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC) , Coruña , Spain
| | - Laura Lorenzo-López
- Universidade da Coruña, Gerontology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC) , Coruña , Spain
| | - José C Millán-Calenti
- Universidade da Coruña, Gerontology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC) , Coruña , Spain
| | - Eduardo Pásaro
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
| | - Blanca Laffon
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
| | - Vanessa Valdiglesias
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
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18
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Hadwin JA, Lee E, Kumsta R, Cortese S, Kovshoff H. Cortisol awakening response in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH 2019; 22:118-124. [PMID: 31253603 PMCID: PMC10270439 DOI: 10.1136/ebmental-2019-300098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is characterised by an increase in cortisol in the 30 to 60 min after waking. Research has found significant associations between an atypical CAR and symptoms of stress and anxiety in typically developing (TD) children and adolescents. A number of studies have explored the CAR in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but no evidence synthesis is available to date. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS Based on a preregistered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42017051187), we carried out a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) of CAR studies to explore potential significant differences between children and adolescents with ASD and TD controls. Web of Science, PubMed and PsychInfo were searched until January 2019. A random-effects model was used to pool studies and we used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) to assess study quality and risk of bias. FINDINGS The SR retrieved a total of nine studies, with mixed findings on the comparison of the CAR between children and adolescents with ASD and TD controls. The MA, based on four studies (ASD; n=117 and TD n=118), suggested no differences between the CAR in ASD and TD populations (SMD: -0.21, 95% CI -0.49 to 0.08). In terms of NOS items, no study specified Representativeness of the cases and Non-response rate. DISCUSSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Given the relatively few studies and lack of appropriately matched TD controls, additional research is needed to further understand and recommend the utility of the CAR as a reliable marker to differentiate ASD and TD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Lee
- Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Tsai JC, Chou KR, Tsai HT, Yen YC, Niu SF. Effects of Nocturnal Sleep Quality on Diurnal Cortisol Profiles and Attention in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study. Biol Res Nurs 2019; 21:510-518. [DOI: 10.1177/1099800419861695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Low sleep quality (LSQ) activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and is related to arousal. Nursing staff, who work in shifts, tend to exhibit LSQ, which affects the level of vigor after awakening. This study investigated the effects of nocturnal sleep quality on diurnal cortisol profiles and sustained attention in day-shift nurses. Method: This study adopted a prospective cross-sectional design. Participants were recruited from a university-affiliated hospital in northern Taiwan. In the initial stage of this study, the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Questionnaire was administered to 199 participants to categorize them as either LSQ (PSQI > 5) or high sleep quality (HSQ; PSQI ≤ 5). Participants were then randomly sampled from the two groups. Nocturnal sleep data and four diurnal saliva samples were collected for each participant. Sustained attention was measured before they started work. A total of 32 and 29 participants in the HSQ and LSQ groups, respectively, completed the data collection process. Results: Compared with the HSQ group, the LSQ group exhibited earlier wake-up times ( p = .02), a flatter cortisol awakening response (CAR) slope ( p < .01), a flatter morning-to-evening slope ( p < .01), and prolonged reaction speed and mean reaction time before starting work ( p < .01). Conclusion: Compared with the HSQ group, the LSQ group exhibited impaired HPA-axis regulation, with a flatter CAR and diurnal cortisol slope and poor sustained attention in the morning. Nursing staff are advised to achieve HSQ to improve attention and performance levels and maintain optimum work safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Chen Tsai
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Ru Chou
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ting Tsai
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Yen
- Research Center of Biostatistics, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Niu
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Laures-Gore J, Cahana-Amitay D, Buchanan TW. Diurnal Cortisol Dynamics, Perceived Stress, and Language Production in Aphasia. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2019; 62:1416-1426. [PMID: 31021679 DOI: 10.1044/2018_jslhr-l-18-0276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The current study investigated diurnal cortisol dynamics in adults with and without aphasia, along with subjective reports of stress and measures of language production. Dysregulation of cortisol, a common biomarker of stress, is associated with cognitive dysfunction in different clinical populations. However, little is known about the consequences of stress-induced cortisol disturbances for stroke survivors, including those with aphasia. Method Nineteen participants with aphasia and 14 age-matched neurotypical adults were tested. Saliva samples were collected from participants to assess the cortisol awakening response, a marker of the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Participants also completed 2 subjective stress questionnaires. Language was evaluated using 3 short, picture description narratives, analyzed for discourse (dys)fluency and productivity markers. Results In contrast to neurotypical participants, adults with aphasia did not show the predictable cortisol awakening response. Participants with aphasia also showed an unusual heightened level of cortisol upon awakening. Additionally, neurotypical participants demonstrated an association between intact language performance and the cortisol awakening response, whereas the participants with aphasia did not, although they did perceive the language tasks as stressful. Conclusion This study indicates that the functionality of the HPA axis, as indexed by cortisol, contributes to optimal language performance in healthy adults. The absence of an awakening response among participants with aphasia suggests that stroke leads to dysregulation of the HPA axis, although the degree to which this impairment affects language deficits in this population requires further investigation.
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21
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Duncan MJ. Interacting influences of aging and Alzheimer's disease on circadian rhythms. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 51:310-325. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn J. Duncan
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Kentucky Medical School Lexington Kentucky
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22
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Scheffer M, Becker J, de Azeredo LA, Grassi-Oliveira R, de Almeida RMM. Subjective and physiological stress measurement in a multiple sclerosis sample and the relation with executive functions performance. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2019; 126:613-622. [PMID: 30726516 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-019-01981-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis (MS), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning may be dysregulated due to the high cortisol levels involved in the disease activity. HPA axis dysregulation can affect cognitive performance, including executive functions. This study aimed to evaluate hair cortisol concentration and perceived stress as well as verify the association with the performance of executive function in both individuals diagnosed with MS and control individuals. Hair cortisol concentration and perceived stress were evaluated and their association with the performance of healthy individuals (n = 33) and those with MS (n = 64), most of them with remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS) assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Instruments that were employed to measure perceived stress and health aspects included the Behavioral Assessment Dysexecutive Syndrome, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test, and Perceived Stress Scale. No significant statistical difference was found in the comparison of means among the groups; however, an association was found when using statistical correlation tests between cortisol and cognitive performance in the clinical group (r = 0.31, p = 0.10). Further, an absence of correlations with perceived stress measure was noted. It was possible to observe interaction between group factors and low level of cortisol and problem-solving/cognitive flexibility in the MS group. The results indicated that stress measures used in the present study seem to influence the performance of inhibitory control and problem-solving/cognitive flexibility, the latter with low levels of cortisol in individuals with MS. We suggest studies that examine different measures of physiological stress and characteristics of the disease such as more time of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgana Scheffer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia, LPNeC, (Laboratório de Psicologia Experimental, Neurociência e Comportamento), Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Sala 116, Santa Cecilia, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - Jefferson Becker
- Escola de Medicina, Neurologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil.,Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Araújo de Azeredo
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul-Brain Institute (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Brazil.,Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul-Brain Institute (BraIns), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Brazil.,Escola de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria Martins de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia, LPNeC, (Laboratório de Psicologia Experimental, Neurociência e Comportamento), Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Sala 116, Santa Cecilia, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
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23
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Yiallouris A, Tsioutis C, Agapidaki E, Zafeiri M, Agouridis AP, Ntourakis D, Johnson EO. Adrenal Aging and Its Implications on Stress Responsiveness in Humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:54. [PMID: 30792695 PMCID: PMC6374303 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal aging results in subtle changes both in ACTH and cortisol secretion. Most notable is the general increase in mean daily serum cortisol levels in the elderly, without a noteworthy alteration in the normal circadian rhythm pattern. Glucocorticoid excess seen in the elderly population can have serious consequences in both the structural and functional integrity of various key areas in the brain, including the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, with consequent impairment in normal memory, cognitive function, and sleep cycles. The chronically elevated glucocorticoid levels also impinge on the normal stress response in the elderly, leading to an impaired ability to recover from stressful stimuli. In addition to the effects on the brain, glucocorticoid excess is associated with other age-related changes, including loss of muscle mass, hypertension, osteopenia, visceral obesity, and diabetes, among others. In contrast to the increase in glucocorticoid levels, other adrenocortical hormones, particularly serum aldosterone and DHEA (the precursor to androgens and estrogens) show significant decreases in the elderly. The underlying mechanisms for their decrease remain unclear. While the adrenomedullary hormone, norephinephrine, shows an increase in plasma levels, associated with a decrease in clearance, no notable changes observed in plasma epinephrine levels in the elderly. The multiplicity and complexity of the adrenal hormone changes observed throughout the normal aging process, suggests that age-related alterations in cellular growth, differentiation, and senescence specific to the adrenal gland must also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Yiallouris
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Laboratory of Education & Research Neuroscience, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Tsioutis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Society of Junior Doctors, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria Zafeiri
- Society of Junior Doctors, Athens, Greece
- Diabetes and Obesity Center, Konstantopouleio Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Elizabeth O. Johnson
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Laboratory of Education & Research Neuroscience, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University Athens, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Elizabeth O. Johnson
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24
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Tortosa-Martínez J, Manchado C, Cortell-Tormo JM, Chulvi-Medrano I. Exercise, the diurnal cycle of cortisol and cognitive impairment in older adults. Neurobiol Stress 2018; 9:40-47. [PMID: 30450372 PMCID: PMC6234274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's disease as well as to improve cognition in healthy and cognitively impaired individuals. However, the mechanisms of these benefits are not well understood. The stress hypothesis suggests that the cognitive benefits attributed to exercise may partially be mediated by changes in the cortisol secretion pattern. Chronic stress may increase the risk of AD and exacerbate the cognitive deficits and brain pathology characteristic of the condition while physical activity has been shown to attenuate most of stress consequences and risk factors for AD. Initially, research on the effects of cortisol on cognition and physical activity focused on cortisol levels at one time point but the circadian pattern of cortisol secretion is complex and it is still unclear which aspects are most closely associated with cognitive function. Thus, the aim of this review was to analyze the exercise/stress/cognition hypothesis focusing on the effects of the diurnal cycle of cortisol on cognitive function and physical activity in older adults with and without cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tortosa-Martínez
- University of Alicante, Facultad de Educación, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - C Manchado
- University of Alicante, Facultad de Educación, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - J M Cortell-Tormo
- University of Alicante, Facultad de Educación, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - I Chulvi-Medrano
- University of Alicante, Facultad de Educación, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
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25
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McQuail JA, Krause EG, Setlow B, Scheuer DA, Bizon JL. Stress-induced corticosterone secretion covaries with working memory in aging. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 71:156-160. [PMID: 30144648 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A substantial literature details the relationship between age-related changes to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and deterioration of mnemonic functions that depend on the hippocampus. The relationship between adrenocortical status and other forms of memory that depend on the prefrontal cortex is less well understood in the context of advanced age. Here, we characterized performance of young adult and aged F344 rats on a prefrontal cortex-dependent working memory task and subsequently measured corticosterone (CORT) levels over the diurnal cycle and during exposure to an acute stressor. Our analyses revealed that aged rats with better working memory mounted a greater CORT response during acute stress exposure than either young adults or age-matched rats with impaired working memory. We also observed that age-related elevation of basal CORT levels is not associated with working memory performance. Jointly, these data reveal that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-mediated response to acute stress is positively associated with working memory in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A McQuail
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Eric G Krause
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Deborah A Scheuer
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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26
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Garcia AF, Wilborn K, Mangold DL. The Cortisol Awakening Response Mediates the Relationship Between Acculturative Stress and Self-Reported Health in Mexican Americans. Ann Behav Med 2018; 51:787-798. [PMID: 28337601 DOI: 10.1007/s12160-017-9901-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of acculturative stress as synonymous with acculturation level overlooks the dynamic, interactive, and developmental nature of the acculturation process. An individual's unique perception and response to a range of stressors at each stage of the dynamic process of acculturation may be associated with stress-induced alterations in important biological response systems that mediate health outcomes. Evidence suggests the cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a promising pre-clinical biomarker of stress exposure that may link acculturative stress to self-reported health in Mexican Americans. PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to examine whether alterations in the CAR mediate the relationship between acculturative stress and self-reported health in Mexican Americans. METHODS Salivary cortisol samples were collected at awakening, 30, 45, and 60 min thereafter, on two consecutive weekdays from a sample of adult Mexican Americans. Acculturative stress and self-reported health were assessed. Data were aggregated and analyzed (n = 89) using a mixed effects regression model and path analysis. RESULTS Poorer self-reported health was associated with attenuated CAR profiles (primarily due to a diminished post-awakening rise in cortisol) predicted by both moderate and high levels of exposure to acculturative stress. Stress-induced alterations in the CAR mediated the relationship between exposure to acculturative stressors and self-reported health. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate that different levels of acculturative stress are associated with distinct CAR profiles and suggest the CAR is one possible biological pathway through which exposure to culturally unique stressors may be linked to health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio F Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | | | - Deborah L Mangold
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
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27
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Shi X, Sun X, Yao Z, Yuan Y, Wu J, Clow A. The cortisol awakening response predicts response inhibition in the afternoon of the same day. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 89:23-29. [PMID: 29306774 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is the rapid increase of cortisol levels 30-45 min after awakening in the morning. Numerous studies have indicated the relationship between the CAR and cognition. However, little is known about daily variation in the CAR and cognitive function in healthy adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the CAR predicted the response inhibition function on the same day in both behaviour and the dynamic time course of brain processing. The saliva samples of 47 healthy men were collected at three time points: immediately on awakening, 30 min and 45 min post-awakening in the morning. Participants performed a Go/NoGo task while electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded in the afternoon of the same day. The results showed that a greater CAR was associated with a stronger N2. In the sub-group of CAR responders (n = 33) the CAR was negatively related to the false alarm rate of NoGo-trials. Our findings suggested that the CAR was predictive of the function of response inhibition in both the earlier cognitive step (i.e., conflict monitoring) and the behavioural performance of response inhibition on the same day in healthy men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, Tianjin University of Technology and Education, Tianjin, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuxi Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiran Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Angela Clow
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
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28
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Kamen C, Scheiber C, Janelsins M, Jo B, Shen H, Palesh O. Effects of childhood trauma exposure and cortisol levels on cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2017; 72:163-171. [PMID: 28818733 PMCID: PMC5659913 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive functioning difficultiesin breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are common, but not all women experience these impairments. Exposure to childhood trauma may impair cognitive functioning following chemotherapy, and these impairments may be mediated by dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and cortisol slope. This study evaluated the association between childhood trauma exposure, cortisol, and cognition in a sample of breast cancer survivors. 56 women completed measures of trauma exposure (the Traumatic Events Survey), salivary cortisol, and self-reported cognitive functioning (the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Cognitive). We examined correlations between childhood trauma exposure and cognitive functioning, then used linear regression to control for factors associated with cognition (age, education, time since chemotherapy, depression, anxiety, and insomnia), and the MacArthur approach to test whether cortisol levels mediated the relationship between trauma and cognitive functioning. 57.1% of the sample had experienced at least one traumatic event in childhood, with 19.6% of the sample witnessing a serious injury, 17.9% experiencing physical abuse, and 14.3% experiencing sexual abuse. Childhood trauma exposure and cognitive functioning were moderately associated (r=-0.29). This association remained even when controlling for other factors associated with cognition; the final model explained 47% of the variance in cognitive functioning. The association between childhood trauma and cognitive functioning was mediated by steeper cortisol slope (partial r=0.35, p=0.02). Childhood trauma exposure is associated with self-reported cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors and is mediated by cortisol dysregulation. Trauma should be considered, among other factors, in programs aiming to address cognition in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Kamen
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, 265 Crittenden Blvd, Box 420658, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Caroline Scheiber
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University,401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michelle Janelsins
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, 265 Crittenden Blvd, Box 420658, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University,401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hanyang Shen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University,401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Oxana Palesh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University,401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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29
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Dijckmans B, Tortosa-Martínez J, Caus N, González-Caballero G, Martínez-Pelegrin B, Manchado-Lopez C, Cortell-Tormo JM, Chulvi-Medrano I, Clow A. Does the diurnal cycle of cortisol explain the relationship between physical performance and cognitive function in older adults? Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 2017; 14:6. [PMID: 28515793 PMCID: PMC5433091 DOI: 10.1186/s11556-017-0175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regular physical activity is a promising strategy to treat and prevent cognitive decline. The mechanisms that mediate these benefits are not fully clear but physical activity is thought to attenuate the harmful effects of chronic psychological stress and hypercortisolism on cognition. However, the circadian pattern of cortisol secretion is complex and it is not known which aspects are most closely associated with increased cognitive function and better physical performance. This is the first study to simultaneously measure cognitive function, the diurnal cycle of salivary cortisol and physical performance in older adults, without cognitive impairment (n = 30) and with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) (n = 30). Results Regression analysis showed that better cognitive function was associated with better physical performance. A greater variance in cortisol levels across the day from morning to evening was associated with better cognitive function and physical performance. Conclusions The results support the idea that a more dynamic cortisol secretion pattern is associated with better cognitive function and physical performance even in the presence of cognitive impairment, but our results could not confirm a mediating role in this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Dijckmans
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J Tortosa-Martínez
- Universidad de Alicante (Facultad de Educación), Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n., 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - N Caus
- Universidad de Alicante (Facultad de Educación), Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n., 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | | | - B Martínez-Pelegrin
- Universidad de Alicante (Facultad de Educación), Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n., 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - C Manchado-Lopez
- Universidad de Alicante (Facultad de Educación), Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n., 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - J M Cortell-Tormo
- Universidad de Alicante (Facultad de Educación), Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n., 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - I Chulvi-Medrano
- Universidad de Alicante (Facultad de Educación), Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n., 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - A Clow
- University of Westminster, San Vicente del Raspeig, UK
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30
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Corrêa MS, Giacobbo BL, Vedovelli K, de Lima DB, Ferrari P, Argimon IIDL, Walz JC, Bromberg E. Age Effects on Cognitive and Physiological Parameters in Familial Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease Patients. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162619. [PMID: 27706235 PMCID: PMC5051952 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older familial caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients are subjected to stress-related cognitive and psychophysiological dysfunctions that may affect their quality of life and ability to provide care. Younger caregivers have never been properly evaluated. We hypothesized that they would show qualitatively similar cognitive and psychophysiological alterations to those of older caregivers. METHOD The cognitive measures of 17 young (31-58 years) and 18 old (63-84 years) caregivers and of 17 young (37-57 years) and 18 old (62-84 years) non-caregiver controls were evaluated together with their salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels, as measured by radioimmunoassays and ELISA assays of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in serum. RESULTS Although younger caregivers had milder impairments in memory and executive functions than older caregivers, their performances fell to the same or lower levels as those of the healthy older controls. Decreases in DHEA and BDNF levels were correlated with the cognitive dysfunctions observed in the older and younger caregivers, respectively. Cortisol at 10PM increased in both caregiver groups. DISCUSSION Younger caregivers were prone to cognitive impairments similar to older caregivers, although the degree and the neuropsychological correlates of the cognitive dysfunctions were somewhat different between the two groups. This work has implications for caregiver and care-recipient health and for research on the neurobiology of stress-related cognitive dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio Silveira Corrêa
- Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional Ciência e Tecnologia—Medicina Translacional (INCT-TM), RS, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lima Giacobbo
- Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional Ciência e Tecnologia—Medicina Translacional (INCT-TM), RS, Brazil
| | - Kelem Vedovelli
- Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional Ciência e Tecnologia—Medicina Translacional (INCT-TM), RS, Brazil
| | - Daiane Borba de Lima
- Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional Ciência e Tecnologia—Medicina Translacional (INCT-TM), RS, Brazil
| | - Pamela Ferrari
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional Ciência e Tecnologia—Medicina Translacional (INCT-TM), RS, Brazil
| | - Irani Iracema de Lima Argimon
- Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar Walz
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional Ciência e Tecnologia—Medicina Translacional (INCT-TM), RS, Brazil
- Faculdade Unilasalle, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Elke Bromberg
- Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional Ciência e Tecnologia—Medicina Translacional (INCT-TM), RS, Brazil
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Labad J, Gutiérrez-Zotes A, Creus M, Montalvo I, Cabezas Á, Solé M, Ortega L, Algora MJ, Sánchez-Gistau V, Vilella E. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis measures and cognitive abilities in early psychosis: Are there sex differences? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 72:54-62. [PMID: 27344379 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Measures of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity such as increased diurnal cortisol levels or a blunted cortisol awakening response (CAR) have been associated with cognitive impairments in people with psychotic disorders. We aimed to explore whether there are sex differences in the relationship between HPA axis measures and cognition in early psychosis (EP). METHODS 60 EP outpatients and 50 healthy subjects (HS) were assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery. Saliva cortisol levels were determined at the neuropsychological assessment and on another day at 6 sampling times: awakening; 30' and 60' post-awakening; and 10:00h, 23:00h and 10:00h the day after the administration of 0.25mg of dexamethasone, which occurred at 23:00h. Three HPA axis measures were calculated: CAR, cortisol diurnal slope and cortisol suppression ratio of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between HPA axis measures and cognitive tasks while adjusting for covariates (education level, smoking, cannabis use, and cortisol levels at the cognitive assessment). Interactions between female sex, EP diagnosis and HPA axis measures were examined. RESULTS An increased CAR was associated with a poorer cognitive performance in EP women in processing speed and verbal memory. In contrast, a more flattened diurnal cortisol slope was associated with poorer functioning in the spatial working memory of EP women. DST suppression ratio was associated with better visual memory, without sex differences. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that there are sex differences in the relationship between HPA axis measures and cognitive abilities in EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Labad
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. CIBERSAM, Sabadell, Spain.
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Zotes
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Marta Creus
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Itziar Montalvo
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. CIBERSAM, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Ángel Cabezas
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Montse Solé
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Laura Ortega
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Maria José Algora
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Vanessa Sánchez-Gistau
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Elisabet Vilella
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
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32
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Gaffey AE, Bergeman CS, Clark LA, Wirth MM. Aging and the HPA axis: Stress and resilience in older adults. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:928-945. [PMID: 27377692 PMCID: PMC5621604 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function may change over the course of aging, and altered diurnal or stress-induced secretion of the hormone cortisol could predispose older adults to negative health outcomes. We propose that psychological resilience may interact with diurnal cortisol to affect health outcomes later in life. Emotion regulation and social support are two constructs that contribute to resilience and exhibit age-specific patterns in older adults. Determining how the use of resilience resources interacts with age-related diurnal cortisol will improve our understanding of the pathways between stress, resilience, and well-being. In this review, we assess published studies evaluating diurnal cortisol in older adults to better understand differences in their HPA axis functioning. Evidence thus far suggests that diurnal cortisol may increase with age, although cross-sectional studies limit the conclusions that can be drawn. We also review extant evidence connecting age-specific signatures of emotion regulation and social support with diurnal cortisol. Conclusions are used to propose a preliminary model demonstrating how resilience resources may modulate the effects of cortisol on health in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Gaffey
- 118 Haggar Hall, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States.
| | - C S Bergeman
- 118 Haggar Hall, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Lee Anna Clark
- 118 Haggar Hall, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Michelle M Wirth
- 118 Haggar Hall, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
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Memory performance is related to the cortisol awakening response in older people, but not to the diurnal cortisol slope. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 71:136-46. [PMID: 27266967 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
There are large individual differences in age-related cognitive decline. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) functioning has been suggested as one of the mechanisms underlying these differences. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the diurnal cortisol cycle, measured as the cortisol awakening response (CAR), and the diurnal cortisol slope (DCS) and the memory performance of healthy older people. To do so, we assessed the verbal, visual, and working memory performance of 64 participants (32 men) from 57 to 76 years old who also provided 14 saliva samples on two consecutive weekdays to determine their diurnal cortisol cycle. The CAR was linearly and negatively associated with verbal (significantly) and visual (marginally) memory domains, but not with working memory. Sex did not moderate these relationships. Furthermore, no associations were found between the DCS and any of the three memory domains assessed. Our results indicate that the two components of the diurnal cortisol cycle have different relationships with memory performance, with the CAR being more relevant than DCS in understanding the link from HPA-axis activity and regulation to different types of memory. These results suggest that the CAR is related to memory domains dependent on hippocampal functioning (i.e., declarative memory), but not to those that are more dependent on prefrontal cortex functioning (i.e., working memory).
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Ennis GE, Moffat SD, Hertzog C. The cortisol awakening response and cognition across the adult lifespan. Brain Cogn 2016; 105:66-77. [PMID: 27105036 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the hippocampus is thought to play a central role in the regulation of the cortisol awakening response (CAR), results from past studies examining the relationship between the CAR and hippocampal-mediated memory and cognition have been mixed. Inconsistent findings may be due to the use of cortisol samples collected on only 1-2days since reduced sampling can permit unstable situational factors to bias results. We used cortisol assessments from 10 consecutive days to test the relationship of the CAR to episodic memory, working memory, and processing speed in a sample of healthy young, middle-aged, and older adults (age range: 23-79years; N=56). We tested if the relationship between the CAR and cognition would depend upon age and also tested if other cortisol measures, specifically waking cortisol, diurnal cortisol output (i.e., area under the curve) and diurnal cortisol slope (linear and quadratic), would be related to cognition. We found that a more positive CAR slope was related to better episodic memory and that this relationship did not depend upon age. The CAR was not significantly related to working memory. The relationship of the CAR to processing speed was not significant when using a CAR measure that corrected for non-compliant cortisol sampling. We also found that higher waking cortisol was significantly related to better working memory, but not episodic memory or processing speed. Neither diurnal cortisol output nor diurnal linear cortisol slope was significantly related to cognitive functioning. Future work should investigate the mechanisms underpinning the relationship of the cortisol awakening process to cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda E Ennis
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Psychology, 654 Cherry Street, Atlanta, GA 30332-0170, United States.
| | - Scott D Moffat
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Psychology, 654 Cherry Street, Atlanta, GA 30332-0170, United States.
| | - Christopher Hertzog
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Psychology, 654 Cherry Street, Atlanta, GA 30332-0170, United States.
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35
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Stalder T, Kirschbaum C, Kudielka BM, Adam EK, Pruessner JC, Wüst S, Dockray S, Smyth N, Evans P, Hellhammer DH, Miller R, Wetherell MA, Lupien SJ, Clow A. Assessment of the cortisol awakening response: Expert consensus guidelines. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 63:414-32. [PMID: 26563991 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 642] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR), the marked increase in cortisol secretion over the first 30-45 min after morning awakening, has been related to a wide range of psychosocial, physical and mental health parameters, making it a key variable for psychoneuroendocrinological research. The CAR is typically assessed from self-collection of saliva samples within the domestic setting. While this confers ecological validity, it lacks direct researcher oversight which can be problematic as the validity of CAR measurement critically relies on participants closely following a timed sampling schedule, beginning with the moment of awakening. Researchers assessing the CAR thus need to take important steps to maximize and monitor saliva sampling accuracy as well as consider a range of other relevant methodological factors. To promote best practice of future research in this field, the International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology initiated an expert panel charged with (i) summarizing relevant evidence and collective experience on methodological factors affecting CAR assessment and (ii) formulating clear consensus guidelines for future research. The present report summarizes the results of this undertaking. Consensus guidelines are presented on central aspects of CAR assessment, including objective control of sampling accuracy/adherence, participant instructions, covariate accounting, sampling protocols, quantification strategies as well as reporting and interpreting of CAR data. Meeting these methodological standards in future research will create more powerful research designs, thus yielding more reliable and reproducible results and helping to further advance understanding in this evolving field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emma K Adam
- School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, Evanston, USA
| | | | - Stefan Wüst
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Samantha Dockray
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Nina Smyth
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Phil Evans
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Dirk H Hellhammer
- Department of Psychology, Trier University, and Stresszentrum Trier, Germany
| | - Robert Miller
- Department of Psychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Sonia J Lupien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Angela Clow
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
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Hodyl NA, Schneider L, Vallence AM, Clow A, Ridding MC, Pitcher JB. The cortisol awakening response is associated with performance of a serial sequence reaction time task. Int J Psychophysiol 2015; 100:12-8. [PMID: 26721740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is emerging evidence of a relationship between the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and the neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory. The aim of this study was to determine whether the CAR is associated with acquisition, retention and overnight consolidation or improvement of a serial sequence reaction time task. Salivary samples were collected at 0, 15, 30 and 45 min after awakening in 39 healthy adults on 2 consecutive days. The serial sequence reaction time task was repeated each afternoon. Participants completed the perceived stress scale and provided salivary samples prior to testing for cortisol assessment. While the magnitude of the CAR (Z score) was not associated with either baseline performance or the timed improvement during task acquisition of the serial sequence task, a positive correlation was observed with reaction times during the stable performance phase on day 1 (r=0.373, p=0.019). Residuals derived from the relationship between baseline and stable phase reaction times on day 1 were used as a surrogate for the degree of learning: these residuals were also correlated with the CAR mean increase on day 1 (r=0.357, p=0.048). Task performance on day 2 was not associated with the CAR obtained on this same day. No association was observed between the perceived stress score, cortisol at testing or task performance. These data indicate that a smaller CAR in healthy adults is associated with a greater degree of learning and faster performance of a serial sequence reaction time task. These results support recognition of the CAR as an important factor contributing to cognitive performance throughout the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette A Hodyl
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Neonatal Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Luke Schneider
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ann-Maree Vallence
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Angela Clow
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Michael C Ridding
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Julia B Pitcher
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Smyth N, Thorn L, Hucklebridge F, Evans P, Clow A. Post awakening salivary cortisol secretion and trait well-being: The importance of sample timing accuracy. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 58:141-51. [PMID: 25988832 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Indices of post awakening cortisol secretion (PACS), include the rise in cortisol (cortisol awakening response: CAR) and overall cortisol concentrations (e.g., area under the curve with reference to ground: AUCg) in the first 30-45 min. Both are commonly investigated in relation to psychosocial variables. Although sampling within the domestic setting is ecologically valid, participant non-adherence to the required timing protocol results in erroneous measurement of PACS and this may explain discrepancies in the literature linking these measures to trait well-being (TWB). We have previously shown that delays of little over 5 min (between awakening and the start of sampling) to result in erroneous CAR estimates. In this study, we report for the first time on the negative impact of sample timing inaccuracy (verified by electronic-monitoring) on the efficacy to detect significant relationships between PACS and TWB when measured in the domestic setting. Healthy females (N=49, 20.5±2.8 years) selected for differences in TWB collected saliva samples (S1-4) on 4 days at 0, 15, 30, 45 min post awakening, to determine PACS. Adherence to the sampling protocol was objectively monitored using a combination of electronic estimates of awakening (actigraphy) and sampling times (track caps). Relationships between PACS and TWB were found to depend on sample timing accuracy. Lower TWB was associated with higher post awakening cortisol AUCg in proportion to the mean sample timing accuracy (p<.005). There was no association between TWB and the CAR even taking into account sample timing accuracy. These results highlight the importance of careful electronic monitoring of participant adherence for measurement of PACS in the domestic setting. Mean sample timing inaccuracy, mainly associated with delays of >5 min between awakening and collection of sample 1 (median=8 min delay), negatively impacts on the sensitivity of analysis to detect associations between PACS and TWB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Smyth
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Lisa Thorn
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Frank Hucklebridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Phil Evans
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, UK
| | - Angela Clow
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, UK.
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38
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Weller JA, Buchanan TW, Shackleford C, Morganstern A, Hartman JJ, Yuska J, Denburg NL. Diurnal cortisol rhythm is associated with increased risky decision-making in older adults. Psychol Aging 2015; 29:271-83. [PMID: 24955995 DOI: 10.1037/a0036623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Although past research has suggested a link between chronic stress and both physical and mental well-being in older adults, less is known about the degree to which neuroendocrine markers of stress are associated with higher-order cognitive processes such as decision-making. In a sample of healthy older adults (55-85 years), we tested the degree to which variation in the diurnal cortisol rhythm, an index of hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary axis dynamics, was related to differences in risky decision-making. We found that diurnal cortisol fall predicted performance on the Cups Task, a risky decision-making task that independently tests risk-taking to achieve gains and risk-taking to avoid losses. For potential gains, we found that greater risk-taking was associated with lower diurnal cortisol fall, independent of age or sex of the participant. For risks to avoid potential losses, we found that lower diurnal fall was associated with suboptimal decision-making for men only. Compared with males with more typical diurnal fall, those who displayed lower diurnal fall made more risky choices and demonstrated lower sensitivity to the expected value of the risky choice. We integrate these results with the extant literature on the effects of stress on decision-making and cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joshua J Hartman
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
| | - Jonathan Yuska
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
| | - Natalie L Denburg
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
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39
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Corrêa M, Vedovelli K, Giacobbo B, de Souza C, Ferrari P, de Lima Argimon I, Walz J, Kapczinski F, Bromberg E. Psychophysiological correlates of cognitive deficits in family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer Disease. Neuroscience 2015; 286:371-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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40
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Ruhé HG, Khoenkhoen SJ, Ottenhof KW, Koeter MW, Mocking RJT, Schene AH. Longitudinal effects of the SSRI paroxetine on salivary cortisol in Major Depressive Disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 52:261-71. [PMID: 25544738 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis dysregulation is a prominent finding in more severe Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and is characterized by increased baseline cortisol levels at awakening (BCL), blunted cortisol awakening response (CAR) and increased area under the cortisol curve (AUC). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) appear to normalize HPA-axis dysfunction, but this is hardly investigated longitudinally. We studied salivary BCL, CAR and AUC at awakening and 30min thereafter. We compared measurements in initially drug-free MDD-patients with healthy controls (HCs) at study-entry. In patients, we repeated measures after 6 and 12 weeks' treatment with the SSRI paroxetine. Non-responding patients received a randomized dose-escalation after six weeks' treatment. We found no significant study-entry differences in BLC, CAR or AUC between MDD-patients (n=70) and controls (n=51). In MDD-patients, we found general decreases of BCL and AUC during paroxetine treatment (p≤0.007), especially in late and non-responders. Importantly, while overall CAR did not change significantly over time, it robustly increased over 12 weeks especially when patients achieved remission (p≤0.041). The dose-escalation intervention did not significantly influence CAR or other cortisol parameters. In conclusion, paroxetine seems to interfere with HPA-axis dysregulation, reflected in significant overall decreases in BCL and AUC during treatment. Paroxetine appears to decrease HPA-axis set-point in MDD, which might result in increased HPA-axis activity over time, which is further improved when patients achieve remission (ISRCTN register nr. ISRCTN44111488).
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Affiliation(s)
- Henricus G Ruhé
- Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Sharina J Khoenkhoen
- Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koen W Ottenhof
- Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten W Koeter
- Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roel J T Mocking
- Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aart H Schene
- Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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41
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Law R, Evans P, Thorn L, Hucklebridge F, Clow A. The cortisol awakening response predicts same morning executive function: results from a 50-day case study. Stress 2015; 18:616-21. [PMID: 26382884 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2015.1076789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A relationship between individual differences in trait estimates of the cortisol-awakening response (CAR) and indices of executive function (EF) has been reported. However, it is difficult to determine causality from such studies. The aim of the present study was to capitalise upon state variation in both variables to seek stronger support for causality by examining daily co-variation. A 50 days researcher-participant case study was employed, ensuring careful adherence to the sampling protocol. A 24-year-old healthy male collected saliva samples and completed an attention-switching index of EF on the morning of each study day. Subsidiary control measures included wake time, sleep duration, morning fatigue, and amount of prior day exercise and alcohol consumption. As the CAR preceded daily measurement of EF, we hypothesised that, over time, a greater than average CAR would predict better than average EF. This was confirmed by mixed regression modelling of variation in cortisol concentrations, which indicated that the greater the increase in cortisol concentrations from 0 to 30 min post-awakening (CAR) the better was subsequent EF performance at 45 min post-awakening (t = 2.29, p = 0.024). This effect was independent of all potential confounding measures. Results are discussed in terms of implications for the understanding of the relationship between the CAR and the cognitive function, and the previously suggested role of the CAR in "boosting" an individual's performance for the day ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Law
- a Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster , London , UK
| | - Phil Evans
- a Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster , London , UK
| | - Lisa Thorn
- a Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster , London , UK
| | - Frank Hucklebridge
- a Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster , London , UK
| | - Angela Clow
- a Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster , London , UK
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Chellew K, Evans P, Fornes-Vives J, Pérez G, Garcia-Banda G. The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on daily cortisol secretion. Stress 2015; 18:538-44. [PMID: 26130387 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2015.1053454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation (APMR) is a much used stress-management technique. Its efficacy relevant to placebo control is already established in the literature and the primary aim of the present study was to ascertain whether its proven impact on psychological stress measures is matched by a decrease in prevailing levels of the stress-associated hormone cortisol, using accurate and robust measurement based on multiple sampling of full diurnal cortisol secretion profiles. First-year university students can face significant stress in adjustment to academic demands and immersion in a novel social network and provided a convenient study population. One hundred and one first-year students completed APMR with prevailing stress levels assessed a week before and after intervention. Both cortisol and self-report measures were significantly reduced post-intervention by 8% and 10%, respectively. The efficacy of the intervention was independent of, and not modulated by neuroticism, gender, age and smoking status. We also demonstrated that cortisol reduction was unlikely to have been a consequence of adaptation to any initial cortisol elevation prompted by the challenge of the demanding saliva collection protocol. We conclude that the efficacy of APMR in this population extends to reduction in biologically expressed stress levels as well as levels based solely on self-report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Chellew
- a Department of Psychology , University of Balearic Islands , Palma de Mallorca , Spain
- b Calle Ticia, Palma de Mallorca , Spain
| | - Phil Evans
- c Department of Psychology , University of Westminster , London , UK
| | - Joana Fornes-Vives
- d Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy , University of Balearic Islands , Palma de Mallorca , Spain
| | - Gerardo Pérez
- e Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Anàlisis Clíniques , Palma de Mallorca , Spain , and
| | - Gloria Garcia-Banda
- f Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of Balearic Islands , Palma de Mallorca , Spain
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43
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Cox SR, Bastin ME, Ferguson KJ, Maniega SM, MacPherson SE, Deary IJ, Wardlaw JM, MacLullich AMJ. Brain white matter integrity and cortisol in older men: the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:257-64. [PMID: 25066239 PMCID: PMC4274312 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Elevated glucocorticoid (GC) levels are hypothesized to be deleterious to some brain regions, including white matter (WM). Older age is accompanied by increased between-participant variation in GC levels, yet relationships between WM integrity and cortisol levels in older humans are underexplored. Moreover, it is unclear whether GC-WM associations might be general or pathway specific. We analyzed relationships between salivary cortisol (diurnal and reactive) and general measures of brain WM hyperintensity (WMH) volume, fractional anisotropy (gFA), and mean diffusivity (gMD) in 90 males, aged 73 years. Significant associations were predominantly found between cortisol measures and WMHs and gMD but not gFA. Higher cortisol at the start of a mild cognitive stressor was associated with higher WMH and gMD. Higher cortisol at the end was associated with greater WMHs. A constant or increasing cortisol level during cognitive testing was associated with lower gMD. Tract-specific bases of these associations implicated anterior thalamic radiation, uncinate, and arcuate and inferior longitudinal fasciculi. The cognitive sequelae of these relationships, above other covariates, are a priority for future study. We correlated salivary cortisol and brain white matter (WM) measures in older males. Cortisol was measured diurnally and in reaction to a cognitive challenge. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity) and total hyperintensity volume measured WM integrity. WM-cortisol relations were found for mean diffusivity and hyperintensity volume but not fractional anisotropy. Higher cortisol in response to cognitive stressor denoted lower WM integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon R Cox
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Brain Research Imaging Centre, Division of Neuroimaging Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Mark E Bastin
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Brain Research Imaging Centre, Division of Neuroimaging Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Scottish Imaging Network: A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) Collaboration, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karen J Ferguson
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Geriatric Medicine Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Susana Muñoz Maniega
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Geriatric Medicine Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah E MacPherson
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ian J Deary
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Brain Research Imaging Centre, Division of Neuroimaging Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Scottish Imaging Network: A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) Collaboration, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alasdair M J MacLullich
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Geriatric Medicine Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Endocrinology Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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44
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The cortisol awakening response – Applications and implications for sleep medicine. Sleep Med Rev 2014; 18:215-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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45
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Pulopulos MM, Hidalgo V, Almela M, Puig-Perez S, Villada C, Salvador A. Hair cortisol and cognitive performance in healthy older people. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 44:100-11. [PMID: 24767624 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Worse cognitive performance in older people has been associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation (in particular, higher cortisol levels). Analysis of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) is a novel method to measure long-term cortisol exposure, and its relationship with cognition in healthy older people has not yet been studied. We investigated whether HCC (measured in hair scalp) and diurnal salivary cortisol levels (awakening, 30min after awakening, and evening, across two days) were related to cognitive performance (assessed with the Trail-making Test A and B, Digit Span Forward and Backward, word list-RAVLT and Stories subtest of the Rivermead) in 57 healthy older people (mean age=64.75 years, SD=4.17). Results showed that lower HCC were consistently related to worse working memory, learning, short-term verbal memory (RAVLT first trial and immediate recall) and long-term verbal memory. In contrast, higher mean levels and higher diurnal area under the curve of diurnal salivary cortisol were related to worse attention and short-term verbal memory (immediate story recall), respectively. Interestingly, a higher ratio of mean levels of diurnal salivary cortisol over HCC were related to worse performance on working memory and short-term verbal memory, suggesting that those individuals with lower long-term cortisol exposure might be more vulnerable to the negative effect of HPA-axis dysregulation on these cognitive processes. Our findings suggest that both low long-term cortisol exposure and a possible dysregulation of the diurnal rhythm of the HPA-axis may account, at least in part, for the inter-individual variability in cognitive performance in healthy older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias M Pulopulos
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Spain.
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Almela
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Sara Puig-Perez
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Carolina Villada
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Spain
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Clow A, Law R, Evans P, Vallence AM, Hodyl NA, Goldsworthy MR, Rothwell JR, Ridding MC. Day differences in the cortisol awakening response predict day differences in synaptic plasticity in the brain. Stress 2014; 17:219-23. [PMID: 24646342 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2014.905533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is the most prominent, dynamic and variable part of the circadian pattern of cortisol secretion. Despite this, its precise purpose is unknown. Aberrant patterns of the CAR are associated with impaired physical and mental health and reduced cognitive function, suggesting that it may have a pervasive role or roles. It has been suggested that the CAR primes the brain for the expected demands of the day but the mechanisms underlying this process are unknown. We examined temporal covariation of the CAR and rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)-induced long term depression (LTD)-like responses in the motor cortex. Plasticity was evaluated across 180 measures from five time points on four sessions across nine healthy researcher participants, mean age 25 ± 2.5 years. Plasticity estimates were obtained in the afternoon after measurement of the CAR on 4 days, at least 3 days apart. As both CAR magnitude and rTMS-induced responses are variable across days, we hypothesized that days with larger than individual average CARs would be associated with a greater than individual average plasticity response. This was confirmed by mixed regression modelling where variation in the CAR predicted variation in rTMS-induced responses (df: 1, 148.24; F: 10.41; p = 0.002). As the magnitude of the CAR is regulated by the "master" circadian CLOCK, and synaptic plasticity is known to be modulated by peripheral "slave" CLOCK genes, we suggest that the CAR may be a mediator between the master and peripheral circadian systems to entrain daily levels of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Clow
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster , London , UK
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47
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Bäumler D, Voigt B, Miller R, Stalder T, Kirschbaum C, Kliegel M. The relation of the cortisol awakening response and prospective memory functioning in young children. Biol Psychol 2014; 99:41-6. [PMID: 24582874 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent research suggests that the cortisol awakening response (CAR) is linked to cognitive functions depending on hippocampal and frontal cortex circuits and may possibly be modulated by prospective memory (PM). However, the link between the CAR and PM abilities has not been investigated so far. Addressing this open issue, we report data from 97 children aged 37-87 months. Salivary cortisol levels were assessed 0 and 30 min post-awakening over three study days. Thereby a valid CAR measurement was ensured by using objective measures of awakening and sampling times. A game-like task served as behavioral measure of PM performance. Bayesian analysis revealed a positive association between children's PM performance and the CAR, with better PM performance being related to a greater CAR. This association persisted after controlling for age. Overall, the current finding supports the prediction that PM functioning may be linked to the CAR, possibly as both the CAR and PM rely on a common neurophysiological basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damaris Bäumler
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Babett Voigt
- University of Geneva, Department of Psychology, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robert Miller
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tobias Stalder
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias Kliegel
- University of Geneva, Department of Psychology, Geneva, Switzerland
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48
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Garcia-Banda G, Chellew K, Fornes J, Perez G, Servera M, Evans P. Neuroticism and cortisol: Pinning down an expected effect. Int J Psychophysiol 2014; 91:132-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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49
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Sorwell KG, Urbanski HF. Causes and consequences of age-related steroid hormone changes: insights gained from nonhuman primates. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:1062-9. [PMID: 23796387 PMCID: PMC3883982 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Similar to humans, rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are large, long-lived diurnal primates, and show similar age-related changes in the secretion of many steroid hormones, including oestradiol, testosterone, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Consequently, they represent a pragmatic animal model in which to examine the mechanisms by which these steroidal changes contribute to perturbed sleep-wake cycles and cognitive decline in the elderly. Using remote serial blood sampling, we have found the circulating levels of DHEA sulphate, as well as oestradiol and testosterone, decline markedly in old monkeys. Furthermore, using the real-time polymerase chain reaction, we have shown that the genes for the enzymes associated with the conversion of DHEA to oestradiol and testosterone (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase) are highly expressed in brain areas associated with cognition and behaviour, including the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Taken together, these findings suggest that the administration of supplementary DHEA in the elderly may have therapeutic potential for cognitive and behavioural disorders, although with fewer negative side effects outside of the central nervous system. To test this, we have developed a novel steroid supplementation paradigm for use in old animals; this involves the oral administration of DHEA and testosterone at physiologically relevant times of the day to mimic the circadian hormone patterns observed in young adults. We are currently evaluating the efficacy of this steroid supplementation paradigm with respect to reversing age-associated disorders, including perturbed sleep-wake cycles and cognitive decline, as well as an impaired immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Sorwell
- Departments of Neuroscience and Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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50
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Smyth N, Hucklebridge F, Thorn L, Evans P, Clow A. Salivary Cortisol as a Biomarker in Social Science Research. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Smyth
- Department of Psychology; University of Westminster
| | | | - Lisa Thorn
- Department of Psychology; University of Westminster
| | - Phil Evans
- Department of Psychology; University of Westminster
| | - Angela Clow
- Department of Psychology; University of Westminster
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